Michael Moshan, a seasoned New York actual property lawyer, has constructed a authorized observe that mixes deep business perception with a extremely private strategy. With practically twenty years of devoted expertise and a background that spans regulation, enterprise, training, and the humanities, Michael presents shoppers a singular and complete perspective. From his early days as a associate at a distinguished agency to founding his solo observe, Michael Moshan, Lawyer at Legislation, PLLC, his dedication to element, advocacy, and consumer relationships has by no means wavered. On this interview, Michael discusses his skilled journey, the realities of solo observe, and the evolving panorama of New York actual property regulation.
What’s it like operating your individual solo regulation observe?
The largest false impression about being a solo practitioner is that you just’re by yourself. In actuality, I’m surrounded by a deep bench of trusted professionals—brokers, bankers, title consultants, managing brokers, inspectors, underwriters, and fellow attorneys—a lot of whom I’ve labored with for many years. Once I want a fast learn on a zoning problem, a rush title search, or steerage on a board’s unstated guidelines, I do know who to name.
Being “solo” merely means I’m the one who picks up the telephone and indicators the paperwork. It means my shoppers don’t get handed off to junior associates. However behind the scenes, I’m continually collaborating. The energy of my observe comes from these relationships, and I lean on that ecosystem day-after-day. So whereas I may fit independently, I by no means work alone—and my shoppers profit from that related, skilled community.
How has your expertise in founding and managing companies influenced your strategy as a solo practitioner?
Founding companies—whether or not a title company, a take a look at prep firm, or a regional tennis ladder—teaches you to unravel issues, put on a number of hats, and take accountability for outcomes. As a solo practitioner, I don’t have layers of workers or forms. That’s by design. My shoppers converse to me immediately, and I information them personally by the method from begin to end.
Having led groups and managed development initiatives, I’m additionally more proficient at anticipating friction factors. I understand how to streamline closings, collaborate with brokers and lenders, and maintain offers transferring even beneath strain. In the end, operating a enterprise makes you proactive—you’ll be able to’t simply react. That mindset carries into each authorized matter I deal with.
What recommendation would you give to first-time homebuyers in New York navigating at this time’s actual property local weather?
Decelerate simply sufficient to grasp what you’re signing—however not a lot that you just miss the chance. New York actual property is famously fast-paced, and that may really feel overwhelming for first-time patrons. My recommendation is to work with a group that educates you as they information you. Ask questions. Perceive the contract contingencies, the function of the board (if it’s a co-op), the tax implications, and what occurs if one thing goes sideways.
It’s additionally vital to know that you just’re allowed to pause and assume. The market strikes quick, however that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t really feel assured at every stage. actual property lawyer gained’t simply push paper—they’ll act as your translator, advocate, and calm within the storm.
Are you able to share a memorable consumer story that illustrates the influence of your hands-on authorized strategy?
A younger couple as soon as got here to me in a panic—days earlier than their closing, their financial institution pulled funding over a title problem that nobody had observed. Their earlier lawyer had barely defined something; the lender was giving them the runaround. I jumped in, obtained on the telephone with the underwriter and title firm, and found the issue was tied to an previous lien that had been improperly launched years earlier. We corrected the document, reissued the title report, and saved the deal alive.
The couple later instructed me they felt like somebody had lastly “stepped into the ring” for them. That second crystallized what I purpose to do in each case: provide not simply authorized readability however actual peace of thoughts.
How do you keep grounded and motivated by the high-pressure world of New York actual property regulation?
I keep grounded by remembering that behind each deal is an actual particular person or household making a life choice. Whether or not somebody is shopping for their first house or promoting a longtime dwelling, these moments matter. That human component retains me current.
I additionally draw energy from outdoors the workplace—enjoying keys in an area band, organizing tennis occasions, delivering meals with my spouse for native charities. These actions maintain my world huge and my ego in examine. Perspective is every little thing if you’re dealing with transactions that transfer quick and have quite a bit on the road.
In your view, how has the authorized aspect of actual property advanced over the previous 20 years, and what modifications excite you most?
The digitization of actual property regulation has been each a problem and a chance. Twenty years in the past, moist signatures and in-person closings had been the norm. Right this moment, distant closings, e-notarizations, and prompt entry to due diligence supplies are the brand new customary.
What excites me is how these instruments can improve—not change—the human aspect of regulation. When used nicely, expertise reduces delays and errors, permitting attorneys to focus extra on technique and steerage. However I additionally see a rising danger of commoditization. I consider the longer term belongs to those that embrace innovation and produce private judgment to the desk.
How do you stability precision and velocity in a authorized setting the place each are important to success?
Actual property regulation calls for you be each quick and proper—each time. My technique is to construct methods that anticipate issues earlier than they come up. I preserve detailed checklists, double-review all paperwork, and keep carefully looped in with each participant concerned.
However I additionally know when to gradual the method down—if one thing smells off in a contract, a title report, or a co-op board’s bylaws, I’ll hit pause and dig deeper. Purchasers respect that I don’t simply rush to shut—I purpose to shut with confidence.
What distinctive challenges do you see in dealing with title points in suburban transactions versus metropolis co-ops?
Suburban transactions typically include advanced title points—like boundary disputes, previous easements, or unpermitted enhancements—that metropolis co-op patrons don’t must cope with. In Westchester, for example, I’ve needed to untangle conditions involving shared driveways or expired variances that had been by no means correctly recorded.
On the flip aspect, metropolis co-ops might be opaque and extremely subjective. The board has great discretion, and understanding the constructing’s financials, home guidelines, and approval course of turns into essential. Every setting requires a unique talent set—however in each, readability and communication are every little thing.
What do you consider makes actual property regulation a relationship-driven discipline, and the way do you domesticate long-term consumer belief?
Shopping for or promoting actual property is without doubt one of the most high-stakes, emotional, and costly choices most individuals ever make. It’s inherently private. As their lawyer, you’re not only a authorized technician—you’re a information, a problem-solver, and generally even a therapist.
I construct long-term belief by exhibiting up absolutely. I return calls promptly, clarify issues clearly, and by no means go shoppers off to junior workers. A lot of my shoppers come again to me for his or her subsequent dwelling, refer me to their youngsters, or ask for assist navigating a mother or father’s property. That type of belief is constructed one considerate interplay at a time.
Exterior the workplace, you’re identified for music, tennis, and even SAT training—how do these passions affect your skilled id?
Every of these passions displays a unique a part of how I work. Music—particularly stay efficiency—teaches you to pay attention carefully, collaborate, and adapt on the fly. Tennis sharpens your aggressive edge and forces you to focus beneath strain. And the SAT work I’ve executed—serving to teenagers acquire confidence and readability—jogs my memory how beneficial clear communication might be, particularly when somebody feels out of their depth.
I deliver all of that into my regulation observe. Whether or not I’m serving to a first-time purchaser or negotiating a multimillion-dollar sale, I present up as a complete particular person, not only a technician. I feel shoppers can really feel that—and I feel it makes a distinction.
Thanks to Michael Moshan for sharing his insights and expertise in actual property regulation. His considerate, hands-on strategy and in depth business data are a transparent asset to his shoppers in New York’s dynamic property market.
